Winter Sounds and Summer Sounds: Free Music That Unites the Community

Celebrating Community Through Music

The Winter Sounds and Summer Sounds series reflect the City’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and the arts. In a time when live music is increasingly out of financial reach for many, West Hollywood's decision to keep these programs free underscores the importance of shared cultural experiences and community wellness.

Held in various local venues and outdoor parks, these concerts invite attendees to experience music across a broad spectrum of genres—from jazz and classical to world music, soul, folk, funk, and indie rock. The concerts aren't just about entertainment; they’re a celebration of identity, resilience, and the power of gathering.

Highlights From Past Seasons

Over the years, Winter Sounds and Summer Sounds have featured an exciting and diverse lineup of acclaimed artists. Some standout performances include:

Sophie B. Hawkins – The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter behind “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down” brought raw passion and poetic intensity to the stage, blending pop, soul, and introspective storytelling in a spellbinding set.

Mariachi Arco Iris de Los Angeles – The world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi ensemble delivered a vibrant and heartwarming performance that celebrated cultural pride and queer visibility.

Buyepongo – This Afro-Latin fusion band lit up the Summer Sounds stage with their infectious rhythms blending cumbia, funk, and merengue.

Quattrosound – A genre-defying string quartet that blends jazz, Latin, and classical influences in dynamic, virtuosic performances.

Gingee – A Filipina-American DJ, percussionist, and producer who energized audiences with her global beats, live instrumentation, and bold fusion of tradition and tech.

Paris Chansons – Their French pop classics and multilingual flair transformed Summer Sounds into a glamorous musical trip across Europe.

Dexter Story – A genre-blending bandleader who brought jazz, soul, and East African influences into a single transcendent set.

Katalyst – This Los Angeles jazz collective pushes boundaries with their blend of experimental jazz, funk, and hip-hop.

Thee Sinseers – Soulful, retro, and unforgettable, this East L.A. band brought smooth vocals and rich harmonies to the Summer stage.

Nina Lares – A jazz vocalist with roots in Latin and lounge traditions, known for a sultry tone and elegant delivery.

The Vignes Rooftop Revival – Their upbeat mix of gypsy jazz and swing inspired joyful movement and vintage vibes.

Megan Rose – Folk and blues singer-songwriter whose lyrical honesty and warm acoustic stylings offered quiet power and resonance.

Chris Pierce – A powerhouse soul and Americana singer who brought emotional storytelling and vocal fire to a standout performance.

Las Cafeteras – This Chicano band from East L.A. lit up the stage with their vibrant fusion of Afro-Mexican, folk, hip-hop, and zapateado.

Mamak Khadem – Known as the “Persian nightingale,” her music weaves Iranian classical vocals with global contemporary sounds.

Adaawe – A dynamic all-female percussion and vocal ensemble whose Afro-diasporic rhythms electrified audiences of all ages.

Viver Brasil – A Los Angeles-based Afro-Brazilian dance and music company that brought pulsing drums and colorful energy to the parks.

Klezmer Juice – This joyful ensemble delivered traditional Eastern European klezmer with a modern twist and infectious enthusiasm.

String Theory – A multimedia performance group combining harp, experimental music, and architectural installations for a one-of-a-kind show.

Monogem – A bilingual electro-pop artist blending silky vocals with dreamy synths and Latin-influenced beats, embodying WeHo’s forward-looking creative scene.

An Inclusive Stage for All

These concerts serve not just as entertainment, but as gathering points for intergenerational audiences. Whether it’s older residents reliving the golden era of jazz, or younger audiences discovering eclectic new artists, Winter Sounds and Summer Sounds serve as cultural connectors. The programming also ensures visibility for underrepresented voices in music, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant artists—values that are deeply embedded in the City’s identity.

Looking Ahead

The City of West Hollywood’s ongoing support for live, free music continues to set a national example of how municipalities can enrich local life through the arts. As upcoming seasons of Winter Sounds and Summer Sounds take shape, residents can look forward to more moments of harmony—literally and figuratively—in a city where music and community go hand in hand.

For the latest lineup and event dates, visit www.weho.org/arts. Bring a blanket, a friend, and an open mind—West Hollywood is ready to play your song.